I started blogging at 07.30 when we arrived in the paddock for the final fettling on the bikes before technical inspection, however, even though the technology in the paddock was up to it with a great WiFi connection my laptop battery died half way through . . . so here we go again.
Wednesday was spent testing and getting the bikes ready for technical inspection today (Thursday). The testing went well with a few final tweaks to all the machines, Cannon BMW, Poole Yamaha & Jim Aim KTM. Oil and filters were changed, as too were tyre and mousses. Mousses (apart from being a yummy dessert) replace the inner tube in off-road tyres therefore mean the potential of a puncture is eliminated. Julian, however, did a few a few problems with his mousses, it had been sunbathing and had expanded somewhat, meaning that he would of 'houred out' if he was changing it on race day. At the end of every race day after 6 hours plus of riding competitors will be changing their tyres (without any assistance) in under 10 minutes.
Wednesday at 17.30 was administration and the entire British team got through with no issues. Administration is where licences, log books, insurance documents, passports, driving licences etc. are checked and approved. All bikes must be 'road legal' for competition in Enduro.
Following administration we had the first of many British Team Meetings in a hotel in town. John Collins who is representing all the British Contingent on the FIM Jury went through some clarifications on rules and the start of special tests.
At the end of Wednesday it all seemed to be a little more real that on Monday the race we've spent months preparing for would finally be here. It was a late finish the team and Kurt finally sat down to eat at around 10pm!
Thursday morning started early, we had technical inspection at 09.00, and wanted to make sure all the bikes were ready, and made time for the essential team photographs.
Techincal inspection is where the bikes and helmets are checked for safety and legality. Helemts are checked to ensure they meet European safety standards, engine and chasis numbers are checked against the log book, bikes are noise tested they mustn't be louder than the 94db limit, finally certain parts of the bikes which cannot be changed throughout the race are painted. Thankfully St Georges MCC go through their technical inspections with no problems at all.
James, Julian and James will spend the remainder of today and tomorrow walking special tests.
Thursday also sees the arrival of the remainder of our team, parents, girlfriends and mechanics; Chris, John, Chris, Trevor, Rachael, Rich and Daisy.
Best of all it's 'Girls Night Out' tonight!!
Below are some pictures taken over the last couple of days.
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